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Material is a weekly discussion about the Google and Android universe. Your intrepid hosts try to answer the question, “What holds up the digital world?” The answer, so far, is that it’s Google all the way down. Hosted by Andy Ihnatko and Florence Ion.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2022 • 47min
376: Hootenanny and a Half
Flo will be back next week, so enjoy this week's last Andy solo show for a while. It was Apple event week, so there was lots of Apple vs. Google talk. Andy walks through some of the iPhone 14/14 Pro and Apple Watch's new features and where Android could do better. And then, a call out to Tim Cook, who would rather have you buy your mom an iPhone than open up iMessage to Android users. Le sigh!
Links and Show Notes:
Apple iPhone 14, Watch Ultra, New AirPods Pro Hands-On: All You Need For Modern Life
Tim Cook revealed the real reason Apple won't fix green bubbles
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Sep 6, 2022 • 1h 1min
375: A Forgotten Psychological Disorder
It's another Andy solo show this week because Flo got the stupid virus. Always in solidarity, Andy spends the first part of this week's podcast reminding you why you should wear that mask. Then, Andy gets into the Google news of the week, including new widgets and rumors sprouting up on what Android 14 could feature. And on the search engine side, Andy explains how the company is gearing up for this year's U.S. midterm elections.
Links and Show Notes:
Long COVID: Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
COVID Data Tracker
Nostalgia: a 'forgotten' psychological disorder
'New Google.com' adds weather, news, other widgets
Android 14 to feature satellite connectivity support
The 2022 U.S. midterm elections on YouTube
Learn how we fine-tune the Nest doorbell ringtones
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Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 13min
374: Tough Stuff
Sometimes, things are tough, which is what this week's episode is about: tough stuff. Flo tells the story of why it was challenging to write her Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review, and Andy lifts our spirits with his proposed plans for Halloween. Then, we walk you through this week's biggest non technical headlines.
Content warning for talk of COVID and CSAM.
Links and Show Notes:
It's a Real Pity the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Isn't More Affordable
Google Covid Outbreak Now Largest Of Any Employer In Los Angeles
A Dad Took Photos of His Naked Toddler for the Doctor. Google Flagged Him as a Criminal.
Google Search and Maps will now clearly label if a healthcare facility provides abortions
Google is launching an experiment to curb anti-Ukraine misinformation in Europe. It just might work
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Aug 19, 2022 • 1h 5min
373: This Is Not a Sitcom
Andy is solo again because Flo's throat is out of commission. But that means it's an Andy story hour! Andy starts by explaining why Apple's Twiggy drives are one of the company's biggest engineering failures--and one of the most expensive collector's items.
Then, Andy gets into the rant that he and Flo were planning to tag-team. Google Play's episodes tend to come through a little later than everyone else, which has led us to buy and stream things elsewhere. Andy also covers Android 13's Pixel-first release this week and checks in with Google's #getthemessage campaign.
Links and Show Notes:
Android 13 is Now Available for Pixel Devices
How to get the Android 13 update on your Pixel right away
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Aug 12, 2022 • 1h 23min
372: Get The Message
Andy and Flo are happy to be reunited. They tell tales of their favorite New York City times and discuss the hard choice of going out during still-COVID times. Then, the two gawk and squee over everything Samsung announced this week, from its foldables to its buds. And they offer their expert opinion on why Google's #getthemessage campaign is too little too late.
Links and Show Notes:
Samsung Galaxy Foldables Finally Catching Up With Flagships
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Has Finally Gone Pro
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Promise Hi-Fi Audio For Samsung Phones Only
It's time for Apple to fix texting
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Aug 6, 2022 • 57min
371: All Your Questions Answered
Andy's doing another solo show this week, as Flo is off on assignment. It's a bummer because Flo would have loved participating in this week's opening banter on Jerry Lewis and Andy's Google Home Mini. Andy discusses Samsung's new repair mode on its Galaxy smartphones and Stadia's exit from the Google Store. He also performs a live reaction to a video Apple posted this week convincing Android users to come to iOS.
Links and Show Notes:
Switching to iPhone. All your questions answered.
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Jul 29, 2022 • 1h 10min
370: Sustainable Value
This week, we're checking in with Google. The Q2 2022 financial results are out, and while the Search Giant is doing fine, it will have to rethink a few other elements of the business. (Chromebooks aren't doing so hot!) Then, a few updates: Gmail's Material Redesign is rolling out to everyone, and Google Maps adds a few new helpful features. We'll also discuss some new features to ChromeOS next month, including virtual desks and video editing.
Links and Show Notes:
Chunk’s Greatest Moments Of Season 1
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) CEO Sundar Pichai on Q2 2022 Results - Earnings Call Transcript
Alphabet misses on earnings and revenue for second quarter
Gartner says Chromebooks take biggest hit as PC sales plunge
Gmail's Material Redesign is Officially Rolling Out to Everyone
Three new Maps updates to help plan your next adventure
ChromeOS Is Looking a Lot Like Windows With Its New Virtual Desks
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Jul 22, 2022 • 1h 25min
369: And Now, For Some Distractions
Andy is melting, but he's still intact enough to sit and chat with Flo about what makes the Google Pixel 6a so compelling. Reviews came out this week, including Flo's, and we're going through all the reasons why you might want Google's mid-ranger. Don't forget that the Pixel Buds Pro is also on the roster. Then, we'll discuss Google's latest Glass experiments and what to expect. We also wish a friend luck on an endeavor into waters that have been proven murky.
Links and Show Notes:
Google's Pixel 6a is Proof Mid-Range Can Feel Premium
How we're helping you switch audio between devices
Pixel Buds Pro
Google will once again test augmented reality glasses in public
Building and testing helpful AR experiences
Limited AR Prototype Testing in Public
YouTube hires Rene Ritchie, a tech YouTuber and former iMore leader, as its new creator liaison
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Jul 15, 2022 • 1h 16min
368: Where Did Google Stuff the Bodies?
Don't worry. The podcast isn't grim this week. We're talking about physical staffers at Google right now and why the company is imposing a hiring slowdown to deal with the recession. But before we get into that, we'll tell you about Flo's experience with the Nothing Phone (1) and where she thinks it fits into the global Android zeitgeist. We'll also tell you why Google worries about TikTok and Instagram taking away precious eyes.
Links and Show Notes:
Nothing Has Officially Launched its Phone, and It’s Too Bad It’s Not Coming to The U.S.
Nothing Phone (1) Is a Cool Smartphone for Bored Android Users
Twitter thread on Nothing firmware
Read the memo Google’s CEO sent employees about a hiring slowdown
Google exec suggests Instagram and TikTok are eating into Google’s core products, Search and Maps
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Jul 10, 2022 • 60min
367: Only Tangentially
Andy's enthusiasm for Sir Paul McCartney's live stream is infectious. Your hosts check up on their Nexus Q auctions before getting into the week's biggest tangential news: there might be ads coming to your Lock Screen. We'll also discuss Google's new policies to protect your health-related search queries and tell you a tale of YouTube's latest folly.
Links and Show Notes:
Your Next Android Phone's Lock Screen Could Be Filled With Ads
Protecting people's privacy on health topics
YouTube flags horror video as “for kids,” won't let creator change rating
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